England struggled to cope with the home side's spin bowlers in the first innings, before a sixth-wicket stand of 157 between Cook and Matt Prior showed their team-mates how to deal with the turning ball.

"I was obviously very impressed, along with the rest of the cricketing world that saw Cook play," added Flower.

"His was a lovely blend of concentration but also skill against the turning ball, and he played the reverse swing very comfortably.